**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this period may appear brief, it has provided ample opportunities to discover and experience a lot about this dynamic city. London showcases not only a rich tapestry of cultures and communities but also a variety of housing options, ensuring something for everyone. Particularly for students, there is a broad spectrum of housing alternatives, ranging from student residences to private rentals, which include ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses.
For students living at home, scheduling an apartment viewing is simple, while international students often turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse options online. These sites offer extensive details regarding amenities and accessibility to public transport, facilitating the search process considerably.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, I was eager to find a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, lively spots, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to move between zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly, with inter-zonal journeys costing as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly solution. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing extensive coverage. Travel fares on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of the operator.
Residing in Central London inevitably comes with a significant price tag. To alleviate costs, I decided to share a room with a friend, which notably lowered our rental fees. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed for interaction with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something more challenging to attain with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly advantageous, especially during hectic times such as exam seasons.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite overwhelming, given the city’s rich cultural diversity. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its character, presenting a unique blend of traditions and cuisines. Numerous international students gravitate toward neighborhoods that echo the comfort of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian population, home to Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Additionally, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether your focus is on closeness to your university, cultural resemblance, or affordability, London certainly has something to cater to everyone.
As you seek a new home in this extraordinary city, take the time to delve into its diverse accommodation options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and embrace the convenience and excitement that London presents.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized under [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)*
*Tagged [accommodation](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/accommodation/), [housing](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/housing/), [London Life](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/london-life/), [master’s](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/masters/)*